About Arcadia University

Founded in 1853, Arcadia University is Philadelphia's global university and a pioneer in international education. It is a top-ranked private university offering bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. In addition to six colleges and schools in the United States, we have 10 centers and offices around the world. Every year, our faculty and staff enrich the lives of our 4,000 current students, 3,000 study abroad participants, and more than 26,000 alumni.

(1853) In December, a charter was granted to Beaver Female Seminary in Beaver, PA., planting the seeds of the future Arcadia University.

(1884) First May Day dance and pageant celebration.

(1889) A four-year degree program is instituted for women in May, and internationally known author Rudyard Kipling visits.

(1907) In July, the Beaver Female Seminary officially changes its name to Beaver College.

(1929) Beaver College acquires the 30-acre Harrison estate in March of this year, allowing the college to grow to offer women more opportunities.

(1948) In June, a group of students journey to Europe to study international development after World War II.

(1953) Beaver College celebrates 100 years and Beaver College's Women's Field Hockey team is undefeated in their season.

(1973) Beaver College becomes co-educational, admitting men to the fall semester, and begins to offer graduate programs.

(1977) A groundbreaking Writing Across the Curriculum program begins at the College. It greatly influences an educational movement throughout the U.S. that encourages writing in classes outside of English courses.

(1984) Grey Towers Castle, the centerpiece of Arcadia's campus, is designated a National Historic Landmark in February.

(1993) Beaver College joins the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III. By 2014, there are 17 women's and men's competing.

(1998) London Preview

(2001) Beaver College attains university status and officially changes its name to Arcadia University, the name of a region of Ancient Greece that reflects the University's commitment to vigorous intellectual exploration.

(2003) Dr. Bette E. Landman receives President Emerita status. She began her tenure in 1985 and reinvigorated the University by doubling enrollment and leading transformative projects such as the construction of seven new buildings.

(2009) In June, the University establishes six academic colleges and schools, including the College of Global Studies as the first full-fledged college of a University dedicated to international education.

(2011) The At Home & In the World campaign reached its successful conclusion, contributing to the building of the University Commons, supported by a leadership gift from Lois E. Haber '71, Board Chair 2005-2010.

(2014) Arcadia University celebrates its first Investiture Ceremony, where Walter and Rosemary Deniken Blankley '57 endow the first Chair for the School of Education.

in Study Abroad

Grey Towers Castle

A National Historic Landmark, Grey Towers Castle is often cited by alumni as one of the most vivid memories from their time at Arcadia.

Completed in 1898, the building was the architectural centerpiece of an estate owned by William Welsh Harrison. In 1929, Arcadia University (then located in Jenkintown) purchased Grey Towers from Harrison's widow and son. Classes were held in Jenkintown and Glenside until 1962, when the University transferred completely to the Grey Towers property.

The building houses administrative offices of the President, provost and Enrollment Management. Its gorgeous first floor rooms are used for campus meetings and events. First-year students reside on the upper floor.